Note: This article is an updated version of a story first published on February 15, 2026. The original video is available for viewing.
Across the United States, concerns are growing regarding the health impacts of ultraprocessed foods. A diverse group is raising their voices, spanning from activists to regular shoppers. These ready-to-eat products, often wrapped in plastic and lining grocery store aisles, have sparked significant debate.
Leading the discussion are two unlikely allies: Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. David Kessler, former commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although they disagree on many public health issues, they share concern over a long-standing policy regarding food ingredients: the GRAS (generally recognized as safe) classification, a 67-year-old governmental policy. Kennedy and Kessler argue that this policy has allowed large food companies to flood the market with ultraprocessed foods, which now constitute 50% of adult calorie intake and 60% of children’s diets in the U.S.
Impact on Health
Dr. David Kessler argues that over the past 40 years, Americans have been increasingly exposed to energy-dense, highly palatable ultraprocessed foods. These foods have led to major health issues, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
It’s as large, if not larger, than the tobacco public health crisis,said Kessler.
The prevalence of ultraprocessed foods affects a broad population, unlike tobacco, which had a limited reach.
Policy and Industry Challenges
Kennedy issued new dietary guidelines advising against highly processed foods. He claims that the GRAS exemption, allowing companies to self-verify ingredient safety without government oversight, has resulted in a lack of knowledge about ingredient impacts on health.
Comparatively, Europe permits only 400 legal ingredients, whereas the U.S. may have between 4,000 and 10,000, according to Kennedy.
Kessler has petitioned for stricter controls on refined carbohydrates unless companies can prove their safety. He points to ingredients like corn syrup and maltodextrin as disruptors of metabolism, leading to overeating and health problems.
A Legal Battle
In December, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu filed a lawsuit against manufacturers of ultraprocessed foods, alleging the industry knowingly engineered addictive products, likening them to tobacco companies’ practices.
The Consumer Brands Association, representing large food companies, contends there is no consensus on defining ultraprocessed foods scientifically and maintains that its members adhere to FDA standards.
Expert Insights
Food author Michael Pollan has been vocal about the health implications of factory-processed foods. He stresses that many items sold as health foods still qualify as ultraprocessed, due to their ingredient composition. Pollan ties this to subsidized crops like corn and soybeans, primarily used for processed foods.
While cheap food benefits consumers and industry, Pollan argues that it also contributes to poor health. Shifting subsidies could improve access to healthier options.
We subsidize both sides in the war on type 2 diabetes,Pollan asserts.
Efforts to change perceptions around ultraprocessed foods echo past tobacco battles.
Moving Forward
Kennedy emphasizes providing consumers with transparency about food content and intends to make healthy foods more accessible. While acknowledging the powerful industries resistant to change, he expresses optimism due to presidential support.
Kessler seeks a cultural shift akin to the tobacco movement, hoping to influence industry leaders to reconsider ingredient impacts.